Names revealed for new Kangaroo Island ferries
The names of SeaLink’s two new Kangaroo Island ferries have been announced ahead of their first services next year.
A competition to name the ferries saw over 1500 submissions, with the names, both in Ngarrindjeri language, now revealed.
Wanggami, meaning “kangaroo”, has been chosen for one ferry, with the other named Ruwi, meaning “land”.
SeaLink said it had worked with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Council to gain formal approval, with the Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island sites both having rich cultural heritage.
“The kangaroo is symbolic of the lands on which we live and is deeply connected to our history in South Australia,” council deputy chair Mark Koolmatrie said.
Ngarrindjeri artist Amanda Westly said Ruwi “refers to the lands we call home”.
“Our waterways and sea, to which we have a deep connection. We take care of Ruwi, and in return, Ruwi provides us with food, medicine and water,” she said.
Construction of the new $57 million ferries began in December 2022, with a team of more than 180 working on the vessels.
The new ferries are 10 metres longer and two metres wider than their predecessors, providing around 150 metres of additional vehicle lane space.
The new ferries under construction. Photo: SeaLink
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SeaLink’s general manager for South Australia Tracy Croft said the ferries would provide “a smoother ride and more capacity for local residents, freight and visitors”.
“As part of the new service, we are also adding more daily departures in both the peak and off peak seasons,” Croft said.
“With the new ferries SeaLink can undertake more daily departures with up to 22 scheduled crossings in peak season and 14 during off-peak seasons, improving service level to residents, freight and visitors to meet the growing demand.
“SeaLink has provided the ferry connection to Kangaroo Island for over 30 years, and our $57 million investment into constructing two new larger ferries underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service to everyone travelling to and from Kangaroo Island.”
SeaLink secured a 25-year ferry contract for Kangaroo Island in December 2021.
